8th Wisconsin Legislature

The Eighth Wisconsin Legislature convened from January 10, 1855, to April 2, 1855, in regular session.

This was the first Wisconsin legislature seated after the establishment of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.

Senators representing odd-numbered districts were newly elected for this session and were serving the first year of a two-year term. Assemblymembers were elected to a one-year term. Assemblymembers and odd-numbered senators were elected in the general election of November 7, 1854. Senators representing even-numbered districts were serving the second year of their two-year term, having been elected in the general election held on November 8, 1853.

Major events

 * February 1, 1855: Charles Durkee elected United States Senator by the Wisconsin Legislature in Joint Session.
 * November 6, 1855: In the 1855 Wisconsin gubernatorial election, incumbent William A. Barstow was initially declared the winner. The election results were contested and eventually Coles Bashford, the Republican candidate, prevailed and became the next Governor of Wisconsin.

Major legislation

 * March 8, 1855: Act to provide for the division of the County of Adams, and to submit the question to a Vote of the people, 1855 Act 28. The referendum passed and resulted in the creation of Juneau County from the western half of Adams County.
 * March 23, 1855: Act relative to the rights of married women, 1855 Act 49. Granted married women the rights to own property and conduct business in circumstances where the husband had been negligent or otherwise irresponsible.

Sessions

 * 1st Regular session: January 10, 1855 – April 2, 1855

Senate leadership

 * President of the Senate: James T. Lewis, Lieutenant Governor
 * President pro tempore: Eleazer Wakeley

Assembly leadership

 * Speaker of the Assembly: Charles C. Sholes

Members of the Senate
Members of the Wisconsin Senate for the Eighth Wisconsin Legislature (25):

Members of the Assembly
Members of the Assembly for the Eighth Wisconsin Legislature (82):

Senate employees

 * Chief Clerk: Samuel G. Bugh
 * Sergeant-at-Arms: William H. Gleason

Assembly employees

 * Chief Clerk: David Atwood
 * Sergeant-at-Arms: William Blake